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the changing approach to teamwork

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The results of many studies prove that how an office space is designed and used can greatly affect a business’ performance, by as much as 15%. In addition, employees may view the way an office is laid out as a reflection whether or not they are valued by their company. As a result, many offices in both the public and private sector have undergone something of an overhaul in recent years. Where once were static desks and rigid working hours for all, now there are hot desks which are shared between colleagues, flexible working areas and even breakout areas where teams can relax and discuss work in a less formal setting.

These changes in office design have meant that approaches to team working have changed radically. Previously, many office workers would have had set tasks that they carried out day to day, perhaps interspersed with meetings with colleagues which were scheduled months in advance. Now, team working is seen as a much more intrinsic part of any successful working arena, with colleagues encouraged to collaborate and brainstorm in breakout areas and informal meeting spaces.

Here we take a deeper look at these changing approaches to teamwork in order to determine how they affect the layout and work dynamics of an office environment.

Changing Working HabitsThroughout the 20th century, the office was commanded by large, cumbersome technology. First there was the typewriter, the telephone and then the PC. It is only as we move fully into the 21st century that we begin to realise the potential for smarter working practices. For instance, it is no longer necessary to be at work in order to have a meeting with a colleague. A worker can simply conference call, Skype or video conference from any location, provided they have the necessary equipment. iPads, lightweight laptops and even some types of mobiles can be used to read emails, prepare important documents and manage one’s workload, so there is no need to sit static at one desk for nine hours a day.

How Changing Habits Have Affected the Office LayoutThe workplace in the 21st century has become a very different place. A range of factors, including new technology, changing management techniques, and shifting attitudes within corporate culture, have combined to produce a work force requiring a radically altered office space. Think of a 20th century office and you will most likely envision a bland, inflexible and static zone characterised by very little interaction. “Teamwork” was a phrase used to define colleagues working together on single projects, usually meeting and communicating at set times.

The office of today, on the other hand, revolts against these drab characteristics. Teamwork is now seen as a vital component of a company’s success story. Rather than working in partnerships only when a particular project dictates, employees are encouraged to join forces and get their thinking caps on whenever possible. This is part of a larger view which

believes that collaborative working is the way forward, allowing as it does for the exchange of ideas on a free-flow basis. By encouraging teamwork, it is reasoned that a company will become more productive and therefore more profitable in time.

So what does an office of the 21st century look like?

Flexible Breakout AreasNowhere are the changing approaches to teamwork more evident than in the flexible breakout areas which are to be found in many offices. These spaces are comfortable, open plan and easily accessible, often creating a bistro-like atmosphere in the middle of a busy office.

The aim of such breakout areas is to allow workers to step out of their busy working days and take some time to reflect on both their work and how their work fits in with wider company aims. Colleagues can use these flexible areas as a space to meet informally with colleagues and discuss current and upcoming events. Use of these flexible breakout areas is unlimited and there is no need to reserve a space.

Increasingly, flexible breakout areas are becoming a key part of office life, offering a temporary relaxation zone or a place for informal client meetings. The furniture used can be fun and colourful, whilst also relaxing. For instance, higher “poseur” tables with stools can be ideal for laptop users, whilst bistro seating arrangements also work well.

Agile Working ArrangementsWhat is agile working? Some may describe it as having flexible working hours, hot desking or the ability to work from home. However, the actual definition of agile working is rather more complex. It is not flexible working. Work is after all, no longer a place, but an activity. Agile working could therefore perhaps be described as a “location independent” type of working. Remote working is on the increase, but we must still bear in mind that not all the work involved is independent of the location.

Perhaps agile working is a step forward from flexible working, delivering notable cost benefits in terms of staff retention, sustainability and the individual’s productivity. Agile working is the act of being able to work from any place, at any time, anywhere. But it is also working differently, not performing the same tasks over and over. Agile working on the other hand incorporates the use of “Smart working”, where employers change their work practices and use technologies differently and in innovative ways, to the best effect.

Agile working in the office consists of workers having the flexibility to embrace both the digital and physical workplace, in order to choose how they work. By bringing technology, processes and people together, the most appropriate way of achieving a goal can be realised.

Open plan, flexible work spaces, combined with hot desking

the changing approach to teamwork Whitepaper officeprinciples

and benches to support mobile workers are crucial to facilitating agile working practices. More and more, individual or private offices are becoming a thing of the past. Ad-hoc meeting spaces for brainstorming and quiet working areas further assist in facilitating an agile working environment.

ConclusionThe 21st century has seen a radical shift in the working practices of the majority of companies. No longer are employees tied to their desks from 9-5, overseen by a stern superior. Now, working focuses on embracing flexible working, home working and encouraging collaboration and brainstorming, via an office layout designed with flexible working spaces.

By choosing an open plan office layout, complete with hot desking areas and flexible breakout areas, your business should be ready to embrace these new and exciting ways of working. No longer are workers tied to the clock, the computer, or the telephone. With the mobile devices available on the market today, static working is a thing of the past. Step up to the challenge of making your office future-proof and start encouraging agile working today.

the changing approach to teamwork Whitepaper officeprinciples

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